The latest news articles featuring BC Centre on Substance Use.
B.C. legislation to detain youth who overdose could do more harm than good: doctor
July 22, 2020 | CBC News (BC)
Indigenous and civil liberties groups say the British Columbia government failed to consult them before proposing legislation that would force youth under 19 to stay in hospital after an overdose. The province announced its plan to amend the Mental Health Act last month, saying youth could be kept i...
B.C. asks Ottawa for drug decriminalization, but hasn’t made provincial reforms
July 21, 2020 | The Province
VICTORIA — Premier John Horgan has formally asked Ottawa to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs, to help curb the province’s overdose crisis. But his government still hasn’t made changes to B.C. police policies recommended last year by the provincial health officer, ...
Record B.C. overdose deaths mean it’s time to listen
July 17, 2020 | Georgia Straight
When I learned that this month’s report from the Coroners Service was going to be another record, I was numb. I still am—175 lives lost in June in B.C.. Some of those I knew or had families I know. They are devastated by this ongoing and senseless loss. I’m so saddened for them and ask you all...
Why B.C.’s former health officer wants to produce legal heroin [Podcast]
July 16, 2020 | CBC News - Front Burner
British Columbia’s former provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, has been a harm-reduction advocate for decades. Now, he’s planning to launch a company to produce a domestic supply of affordable, legal and pharmaceutical-grade heroin to be used “as a medication for therapy and treatment...
June Overdose Toll Hits Record; 15 Times More Deadly than COVID-19
July 16, 2020 | The Tyee
B.C. has recorded back-to-back record months for drug overdose deaths, with June claiming 175 lives and surpassing May’s previous record of 171 fatal overdoses. And every one of the deaths could have been prevented if governments dealt with drug use as a health issue, said Dr. Perry Kendall, forme...
